HOLY WEEK-- SPECIAL TIME FOR CHRISTIANS

Well, it’s come on Easter week. Come Sunday, 40 days of Lent would have flown by. Everyone else who gave up something for Lent will be able to indulge again. The annual Easter cold snap came in a few days early but the wind will move to the south Thursday, with rain and cooler weather after that. The full moon arriving, it will be just the right time to get a garden planted. I hope the Easter bunny comes by your place and deposits a little something. Sunday is a big church day. Many will attend only on Easter Sunday; others go to church on Good Friday. Many places will shut down Friday, most banks, not all, all government buildings and schools. This Holy Week is a good time to review the religious roots that would make your mother proud.*****I’ve got to move on. Come along, I promise it won’t do you no harm.

TRUMP CHARGES TIP OF THE ICEBERG

As expected, former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree stemming from an investigation into the hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.. Trump, who surrendered at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse, is the first U.S. president to face criminal charges. The next hearing in the case is currently set for December 4. The indictment was unsealed Tuesday by Judge Juan Merchan. Trump left the Manhattan Criminal Court after his arrest and arraignment. He is the first U.S. president ever to be charged with a crime. While Tuesday’s arraignment of former President Donald Trump will be the first, it likely won’t be the last. By summer’s end, Trump could be charged in no fewer than four separate criminal investigations. In fact, while Trump’s indictment stemming from his $130,000 hush money payment to adult-film star Stormy Daniels represents a legal threat to the former president, the others may carry a greater risk of serious consequences, including a possible prison sentence. There are also three other investigations that could result in more indictments for Trump.

LSU WINS NCAA WOMEN’S

BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

LSU Head Coach Kim Mulkey, who assembled nine transfers and freshmen in an effort to “Piece It 2gether” in her second season in Baton Rouge, brought the program its first Final Four victory in six attempts last Friday. Two days later, she led the flagship institution of her home state to its first NCAA Basketball Championship. It was the fourth championship in as many title game appearances in Mulkey’s coaching career (previous wins at Baylor in 2005, 2012 and 2019), as she became the first women’s basketball coach to win NCAA championships at multiple schools. At the end of the battle between two of the best women’s basketball programs in the nation, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey had nothing but praise for Iowa’s Caitlin Clark. Mulkey and Clark met in the postgame handshake line after LSU had defeated Iowa 102-85 in the national championship. The 21-year-old scored an incredible 191 points throughout the tournament, including dropping 41 points in back-to-back games, the first time someone has had consecutive 40-point games in the history of the women’s tournament. Clark’s scoring run surpassed any single-tournament March Madness tally, men’s or women’s, and ensured that her historic performances will be remembered for years to come. Her eight three-pointers in the championship game were also enough to break another record but – unfortunately for Iowa fans, not enough to seal the tournament win. Clark's 191 points throughout the NCAA tournament is the most in men's and women's history.

UCONN WINS NCAA MEN’S

BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

From busted brackets to No. 1 seed nail-biters, March Madness lived up to the hype, culminating Monday night as the University of Connecticut Huskies men's basketball team won their fifth NCAA Championship title. Coach Dan Hurley led the elite basketball program to notch his first-ever title with a 76-59 win over the San Diego State Aztecs. Coach Hurley joined "Good Morning America" to reflect on the momentous occasion. "You could feel it coming, it just wasn't here yet and now it's here," he said of the time it took to build this caliber of team."

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2013

Kree Harrison is one of seven contestants remaining on American Idol. She performs Wednesday night, Voting results Thursday will determine if Kree is one of the final six. Even with her talent, Kree’s future is also determined by the voting public. Some businesses throughout the area are boosting Kree on their marquee. Former Bridge City Police Chief Wilson Roberts says his daughter Cathy would have been extremely proud of his granddaughter Kree’s accomplishment. Cathy, Wilson’s only daughter, was killed in an auto accident.*****First Presbyterian Church turns 135 years old. In 1878, residents of Orange asked the Presbytery of Eastern Texas for a church. The present structure on Green Ave. was built 101 years ago. The residents, in March and April of 1878, who formed the first congregation, likely did not foresee that their small church, originally located at the corner of Market and Polk streets would ultimately move into the elaborate, historical structure which draws thousands to witness the architectural wonder, featuring many first time features. The church was under construction from 1908 to 1912. Besides celebrating their regular anniversary, the church holds a special birthday party on the Fourth of July weekend.*****We were sorry to hear of Colonel Kimbrough’s death. He was the father of Dist. Attorney/County Attorney John Kimbrough.**** April 6 is a special day in our history. In 1917, the U.S. entered into WWI. Celebrating a birthday on this day is Cyndie Chauvin, who has put up with Vance, the “Big Red” refrigerator man, for a bunch of years. Cyndie is one of “Buster” Scales daughters.*****April 7, is a special day for the queen of the “Strutters” Cathy Riley, who has led that Bridge City High awarding group for many years. (Editor’s note: Cathy is now enjoying retirement.)*****On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron hit his record 715th homerun against Al Downing.***** District Clerk Vickie Edgerly and husband Alvin just returned from a long weekend visit and Easter celebration with family in Austin. They especially enjoyed a chance to love on their two grandsons Hazen and Rory.*****Friday, courthouse friends of Stacy Wells got together and surprised her with a wedding gift of a honeymoon suite, with a double Jacuzzi, before her wedding Saturday to Jude Hebert.

20 Years Ago-2003

Temperatures dip down to 37 degrees Saturday, March 30. April is here and looks to be wet. Neighbor Cox plowed the sod and Ms. Virginia will sow the seeds and plants in the neighborhood garden.*****Judge Flo has been retired only three months but Gene says Flo has made him and Todd do 20 years of work. Flo says things were neglected for 20 years because they didn’t have a foreman. *****David Fusilier Jr., Debbie and David’s oldest is in basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Sa Antonio.*****Father Pat Turner, of St. Helen’s Catholic Church, died Sunday night March 30.*****A blood drive for Jimmy Dillon was held at Lamar Orange on April 2 and 3. ***** County Bank, in Orange, holds a grand opening under new ownership April 8, at 4 p.m. New officers are Carlos Vacek, president-CEO; Lin Bingham, V.P .; chief financial officer, Billy Burrow Jr .; senior VP, Mike Moreau; senior VP, Bryne Hurley. *****The Texas Longhorns are in the Final Four. Rick Barnes is coach. *****Bridge City pitcher Derek Blacksher struck out 15 batters in an 11-7 win over Buna. Bridge City came from behind but Buna kept the pressure on. Coach Sam Moore said it was a battle. BC catcher, Ben Myers was 4 for 5 at the plate. Hunter Hayes was 3 for 5 and 4 RBI’s.

50 Years Ago-1973

Judge Grover Halliburton is doing quite well after heart surgery. When asked how the attack felt, he said, “It’s like a big coon falling out of a tree and landing on your chest and every now and then biting you.”***** April Fontenot, Jimmy Segura and Bill Scott celebrate birthdays this week.*****Dr. Wynn Pearce tells Joe Molley, who is overweight, “You’re an addict and your grocer is a pusher.”*****Ed Bacon says he watches too much television. He said, “I can’t quite decide who’s the sillier, the TV shows or me watching them.”*****The Godfather wins the Academy Award for best picture of 1972. Marlon Brando refused to accept his Oscar for best actor. Lisa Minnelli wins for best actress for her performance in “Cabaret.”

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Orange Mayor Larry Spears Jr. had a good April Fool's joke two days late. Monday evening, more than 10,000 Entergy customers across the east and northeast part of the county lost power suddenly. The area included almost all of the city of Orange. The mayor on Facebook posted: "On behalf of the City of Orange! I apologize for we had to make a tough decision this week between paying Entergy or buying Easter Eggs for the City Easter Egg Hunt this week. We probably need to revisit the agenda item!" Good one, mayor. Mayor Spears has been taking off from some of his official ceremonial duties recently to stay at home with his wife, Trish, and their new baby. But he made sure he was on stage Saturday to welcome Orange native O'Shaquie "Shock" Foster, who won the World Boxing Council super featherweight world championship in February. The mayor gave the boxer a framed "key to the city."  Shock had a parade that included the West Orange-Stark Mustang band, cheerleaders, and Fillies to lead him up to the stage set up at the old Orange City Hall on Green Avenue. The parade and ceremony was held in conjunction with the popular Art in the Park next to the building. Four-year-old Lara Spears, who had been the baby of the family, asked to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Her father, the mayor, couldn't resist and she may have a career ahead of her for being patriotic.*****Weather cooperated with Art in the Park this year as the temperatures heated up to near 90, but a breeze and the shade in Stark Park kept people comfortable. Food trucks were selling out. People were buying paintings, crafts and even homemade jellies and baked goods. Betty Harmon, who now uses a walker, was out strolling the event with her daughter, Debora Lanciaux. Betty Melton also made the rounds with her daughter, Linda. Latouia and Aaron DuBois took in the sights with local celebrity artist Lauren Leigh and her husband Brandon Stanley. Elise Domas Burgamy brought her family back to town and went around seeing old friends. Rodney and Dr. Amy Townsend visited Art in the Park and then went to Orange's popular restaurant on the bayou, Bluebirds.*****The Stark Museum of Art and the Stark House by the park were open for the event.*****First United Methodist Church a block away held special tours in of their 1920s sanctuary as the church congregation celebrates 150 years in Orange. More than 150 people toured the church Saturday. Angela Abshire, Leigha Barron, and lots of others at the church helped with the open house. Now-retired city judge Jerry Pennington, along with wife, Susan, were wearing their First United Methodist T-shirts at Art in the Park after being at the church earlier.*****The Lions Club Carnival made a full run without having to cancel a day for weather. It's a recent record for the charity tradition. The weather in the past two decades have not been kind to the carnival's schedule, or rides. The event dates back to 1939. Stump Weatherford "Mr. Lion," wasn't around for those first carnivals, but he's local fixture at the carnival's sno-cone stand. Wife Dayle was  there helping. Of course a lot of volunteers come from all over the county to help the Lions clubs here run the carnival, and this year was no exception. Last week's volunteers included International Paper and Dow Sabine River Operations. The Orangefield High Honor Society likely got wet when they helped in the goldfish toss and the duck game.  West Orange-Stark High student council members were out one night assisting the grown-ups. Others seen working the carnival included Sherry Hommel, Alison  Clary, Amy Prouse, and Jill Watson. Paul and Raul Burch worked at the ring toss and the Little Cypress club's chocolate-covered strawberries booth. Lions members at some of their traditional posts included Debbie Hughes and Chris Kovatch at the merry-go-round, and Steve Maddox grilling burgers. Gina and Skipper Yeaman were back at the blinky-thingy stand.*****The Lutcher Theater had two nights of the stage musical "Anatasia."  County Clerk Brandy Robertson attended with son, Nathan Hayes.  Sandra Gross went with longtime friend Frances Lewis, while Terry Hoyland and mom Karen Colburn enjoyed another night together. Nancy Sonnier and Skylar Lanicek also were in the audience.*****Not everyone stayed in Orange County this past week. Rosalie and Karl Eason are touring Italy, taking in the colorful landscapes and ancient artworks, plus lots of good food.*****Kacey and Chris Burnitt went to Las Vegas and hit a lot of the spots and landmarks. They were joined at Wolfgang Puck's Spago restaurant at the Bellagio by Chris's boss, Robert Currie with Innovative Air Service. Robert was accompanied by lovely wife Mindy.*****Spring must be a popular time for weddings because we had quite a few anniversaries, which included Jeff and Sherri Fruge with 44 years. Alaniz and Codie Vasquez marked 31 years of marriage, while Sheila and Keith Faske celebrated their 23rd by going to Louisiana for seafood. Mark and Janois Grizzaffi had an anniversary, as did Phillip and Cristy Smith, and Jerry and Mindi Vandervoort. Cole and Melissa Monson had their fourth anniversary.***** Birthdays this last week include little blond bomber Bodie Bearden turning 4. Brynlee Burch had a couple of celebrations for her seventh birthday. Dylan Krummel turned 17 while Coree Guerra had her 19th birthday. Others included Gail Maddoxx, Brayndon Shankle, and Tabatha Hubert. Of course we can't forget Constable Lannie Claybar, who had a birthday on Monday and on Tuesday celebrated his wife, Melanie, with national librarians day. She's the LC-M High librarian.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

A few folks celebrating their “big day” in the next few days. April 5: Mary Heslpe, Jean Taylor, Nidi Viola and Lisa Coffey.*****April 6: Today is Passover, a major Jewish holiday. It is also Holy Thursday, the commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ. This day is Judge Chad Jinkins’ birthday. The JP is not only a carnival barker, auctioneer, master meat smoker, married to Wendee, mother of his three boys, but an all around nice guy. Happy Birthday Judge. Also celebrating are Cyndie Scales Chauvin, David Blanton, Bob Cummings and Brenda McPherson.*****April 7: Today is known as Good Friday. Celebrating birthdays on this day are Bethanie Penning, Shelly Watts, Janet Anderson, Linda Juneau, Wayne McPherson and April Butler.*****April 8: This day is known as Holy Saturday, a Christian religious observance that ends the Lenten season. Several good folks celebrate birthdays today. Angel Sehon, Cathy Riley, Kaci McKay, Brandy Block, Melissa Pittman and Lindsey Etheridge.*****April 9: Easter Sunday, the most important day in the Christian faith commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Celebrating birthdays today are Lauri Williams, Trey Dubose, Kristi Trahan, Terri Brent, Tonya Burch, Wayne Currie and Adam Prosperie.*****April 10: Happy Birthday to Dr. Katie Olson,  Janet Montagne, Barbara Goins, Austin Brent and K’Lynn Ess.*****April 11: Celebrating today are Chelsea McLemore, Becky Myers, David Thacker, Dustin Kemp, Patsy Evans and Travis Reed.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

A Letter to Sostan

Dear Cuz,

I don’t rote for a long time me, cause I been working offshore. I see where the little dicktater in North Korea is making waves. He’s going to mess around and git himself killed. Looks like he got a hair cut at Tee Man’s Barber Shop where he puts a bowl on you head and cut around it.

Joe Comeaux was at a party at Tee-Boy’s Bar & Grill when he call across da rum to his wife, “Ready to go home Mother of six.” Dat irritate Agnes, she shout back, “Anytime you ready, father of four.” At da same party, Honey Bee’s brother Ralph and his wife Clotile were celebrating dere 40th anniversary wen dey got in an argument. Ralph yell at her, “I swear Clotile, wen you die I’m getting you a headstone dat says, “Here lies Clotile, cold as ever.” Clotile said, “If you die before me Ralph, I’m getting you a headstone dat says, “Here lies Ralph, stiff at last.” Honey Bee said, “Let’s go home before liquor gets to us too.”

Anway, everybody is good here. I hope you and you bird are doing ok.

You Cuz,

Sostan

KAZ IN REHAB FOLLOWING SURGERY

Joe Kazmar, a sports writer for over 45 years, is considered one of the longest serving sports writers in the nation. His weekly column, Kaz’s Korner, will be put on hold for a few weeks while Kaz recovers in rehab after surgery. Last week he fell and broke his hip and required surgery. He will spend the next few weeks in a Vidor rehabilitation center. It is a very frustrating accident for Kazmar, here at the beginning of baseball season. His wife Susan reports Joe is a very unhappy camper. He has been involved with baseball since he was a member of the Yonkers New York Little League World Championship team. Kaz is not only a student of the sport, he is considered to be one of the most knowledgeable baseball writers in the country. We wish Joe a speedy recovery. He will be missed by us and his many fans.*****Please read us cover to cover. You’ll find that we’re one of a kind. Also shop our family of advertisers when you can. Have a wonderful Easter. Take care and God bless.